Barlow Hut
Barlow Hut is a standard eight-bunk backcountry hut in Ruahine Forest Park, run by the Department of Conservation (Te Papa Atawhai). Built in 1983 by the Forest Service, it provides platform bunks with mattresses and is heated by a woodburner; there is also stream water available and an outhouse with pit latrine disposal.
Use is first come, first served—no bookings are required, but you must buy a Standard Hut Ticket for each night. Fees are shown on the hut’s official page and change from 1 July 2026. Access is via the Makaroro River route: start from the Wakarara Road-end (about 75 km from Napier), follow a poled route along the fence line and down to the river, then travel upstream past the Gold Creek junction and the Colenso Spur Track; the trip is about 3 hours one way (about 7 km). The river can be dangerous to cross or follow when levels are high after heavy rain, and there’s no vehicle access from the Wakarara Road-end without crossing the Makaroro River (expect wet feet).